Three men arrested for cockfighting operation identified, facing felony charges

Evans police on Monday identified three men accused of cockfighting and charges relating to drugs.

According to a news release from the Evans Police Department, Luis Mosqueda-Razo, 31, Pablo Cortez-Diaz, 27, and Gabino Villegas-Delgado, 52, were arrested Friday evening at a residence in the 3700 block of Burlington Avenue in Evans. While on an animal-at-large call Friday evening, Community Service Technician Codie Thomasson discovered what appeared to be an illegal animal-fighting set-up, the release stated. Evans police determined there were injured roosters on the property, as well as roosters that had been physically altered.

Marijuana and a small amount of methamphetamine also were confiscated from the property, according to the news release.

Mosqueda-Razo is being held on the suspicion of animal fighting and aggravated cruelty to animals. Cortez-Diaz is held on suspicion of animal fighting, aggravated cruelty to animals, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Villegas-Delgado is held on suspicion of animal fighting and cruelty to animals.

According to the release, veterinarians from All Pets Emergency Clinic and West Ridge Animal Hospital assisted Evans officers in gathering the 28 altered and injured roosters. The veterinarians determined because the roosters were bred to be vicous, they could not be re-established in a tranquil setting. The roosters were humanely euthanized, according to the release.

Cockfighting is a felony in Colorado, and it is illegal in every state in the nation. In Colorado, it also is illegal to watch a cockfight or to train birds or other animals to fight each other.